AN ADVICE service in Penistone is chalking up success in helping people feel better.

Nearly all of those going to Dial sessions in the town say they feel less anxious after talking to an adviser.

Well over half said they felt more able to deal with their own affairs. And nearly 70 per cent reported an improvement in health and wellbeing after receiving support.

When the figures were put to Penistone Area Council, Coun David Greenhough said: “It is an enormous thing that people are feeling better after seeing our workers.”

Funded by the area council, the Dial drop-in provides Penistone with a dedicated advice worker and a volunteer half a day a week.

In the third quarter of the year, 13 sessions were held and 52 residents got face-to-face advice.

The total amount of unclaimed benefit income generated through the sessions since 2017 is £127,055.

Volunteers gave 190 hours of their time to support the project.

A case study revealed that one pensioner couple went to Penistone outreach as the husband had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and it was felt they might need more benefits.

Dial did a benefit review and advised them both to apply for Attendance Allowance as the husband has personal care needs and his wife also has breathing difficulties and arthritis. Dial volunteers helped the couple complete the claim forms.

Both applications were successful.

The husband got the high rate allowance and his wife the low rate of payment. Dial also made applications for Carers’ Allowances and Pension Credit which are still in the pipeline.

The husband got attendance allowance of £87.65 a week and his wife £58.70.

Once Carers’ Allowance and Pension Credit have been processed they will get further Pension Credit of £189 a week and access to council tax reduction.